Philippine Music Heritage

  RAUL SUNICO A Pianist for the Filipino Soul In every generation, there are artists whose impact goes beyond applause—who use their craft not merely for performance, but to  shape national identity and preserve cultural memory . For the Philippines,  Dr. Raul Sunico  is one of those rare individuals. Through decades of artistry, scholarship, and cultural leadership, he has become a powerful voice not only in concert halls, but in the very heart of the Filipino. A Mind for Precision, A Heart for Music Dr. Sunico’s journey is a testament to both brilliance and balance. He earned degrees in  Music ,  Mathematics , and  Statistics  from the  University of the Philippines , and later completed his  Master’s and Doctorate in Piano Performance  from the  Juilliard School  and  New York University —two of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Equally at home with logic and lyricism, his unique combination of academ...

A Cello. A Story. A Moment to Remember. As part of the celebration of the  80th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music , everyone is warmly invited to a very special music event titled  Soliloquy , happening on  May 16, 2025 , at  6:00 PM  at the  UST Museum . Admission is  free . This one-of-a-kind concert will feature  Professor Renato B. Lucas , one of the Philippines’ most respected  cellist and conductor , with over  40 years of performance experience . In  Soliloquy , Professor Lucas will perform  alone on stage , playing beautiful and expressive music for  solo cello —with no piano or orchestra, just the rich sound of the cello filling the room. What is “Soliloquy”? In drama, a  soliloquy  is when a character speaks their thoughts out loud while alone on stage. It’s a moment of truth—personal, honest, and from the heart. This concert takes that same idea, but uses music instead ...

  The Life and Influence of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ A Legacy in Liturgical Music At the heart of Filipino Catholic liturgical music stands the enduring influence of  Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ . Fondly known as  "Fr. Honti,"  he is regarded as the  “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music”  for his pioneering work in composing hymns that transformed the way Filipino Catholics worship. His music, deeply rooted in faith and Filipino culture, continues to shape the liturgical experience of generations. Early Life and Jesuit Formation Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros was a Jesuit priest whose vocation extended beyond the priesthood into the realm of music. His deep love for both the Church and the Filipino people led him to compose hymns that seamlessly integrated  liturgical texts with the melodies and rhythms of Filipino music.  At a time when Vatican II encouraged the use of vernacular languages in the Mass, Fr. Honti took this as an opportunity to compose...

The Piano Teachers' Guild of the Philippines , in collaboration with San Carlos Seminary , presented a remarkable evening of music featuring the legendary Raul Sunico in a Thanksgiving Concert . Mr. Anthony Say, PTGPFI President The distinguished pianist captivated the audience with his masterful performance of seven Filipino classics , each piece showcasing the richness of our musical heritage. His artistry and deep musical expression resonated throughout the venue, leaving attendees in awe. Sunico’s generosity extended beyond the stage as he indulged the enthusiastic audience with multiple encores upon request. His passion for sharing music was evident not only in his performance but also in his warm engagement with attendees after the concert. He graciously accommodated photo opportunities and personal requests, making the evening even more memorable for fans and fellow musicians alike. The concert was a celebration of gratitude and artistry, a testament to the enduring beauty ...

  The late Jesuit priest Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, is a true gem of Philippine music. Renowned as the "Father of Filipino Liturgical Music," he dedicated his life to composing songs that deeply resonated with the Filipino faithful, enriching the spiritual experience of countless worshippers. His works seamlessly integrated traditional Filipino melodies with liturgical themes, making his music both accessible and deeply moving. Born with a profound love for music and service, Hontiveros entered the Society of Jesus and committed his talents to the Church. His compositions, including beloved hymns such as "Ama Namin," "Pananagutan," and "Magnificat," have become staples in Filipino Catholic worship. These songs reflect his unique ability to capture the essence of Filipino faith, culture, and identity, creating a bridge between spirituality and the everyday lives of the people. Some in the academe argue that his influence is limited only to Catholi...

  Herminigildo G. Ranera: A Leader Beyond Music Dr. Herminigildo G. Ranera is more than an accomplished musician; he is a visionary leader who upholds excellence, integrity, and compassion in every aspect of his work. A true beacon of inspiration, he goes beyond his profession, shaping the lives of those around him with wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication. A graduate of the UST Conservatory of Music , Dr. Ranera holds a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in Trombone and Theory , a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado (where he earned the Dean’s Citation for Graduate Excellence and National Graduate Award ), and a Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management from Cagayan State University . As a multi-awarded performer, he was a three-time prize winner of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 1982 and 1983, excelling in Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba (Chamber Music) categories . His early achievements also i...

Raul Sunico’s Unforgettable Encore: A Throwback to ‘Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan’ On February 6, music and memories came together as legendary pianist Raul Sunico played a special encore. He performed "Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan," a timeless masterpiece composed by George Canseco, touching the hearts of everyone in the audience. The song brought back deep emotions—love, sacrifice, and destiny—just like the unforgettable moments in classic Filipino dramas. For fans of the hit TV series  Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan , Sunico’s performance was like stepping into a time machine. Each note carried the weight of the enduring love stories of Coco Martin and Julia Montes, Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. His passionate playing made the song feel alive, as if telling a love story without words. Even those unfamiliar with the lyrics could feel the depth of longing and devotion within the melody. The way Sunico played the piece was mesmerizing. His fingers moved across the piano keys w...